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What bike should I put a powertap on?Road or MTB?

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colinago

· 08anthem adv 1x9 23.5lbs
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey there, don't know if this question has been addressed. I am a cat 1 xc mountin bike racer and now wants to get more serious and train with power. My dilemma is what bike I should put the meter on (still have not purchased meter) I have been riding more mtb than road and I am planning on racing LT 100 in aug. If I put it on my mtb which one( 29er HT, or xc FS 4" or FS 3.5 with a 1x9? Any help would be helpful, I can't afford to buy two units. Thanks:)
 
#3 ·
Depends on which bike you'll be doing your high intensity workouts ie threshold intervals. I have power on both my bikes, but if I only had one, I would be on my road bike, since that is the bike I do most of my quality workouts. Especially now, we have snow on the ground and the roads are icy. I did 2x2's on the trainer until my power started dropping off. Then I knew I was done.
 
#4 ·
I also have both, but I do all of my training midweek on my road bike, especially intervals and my steady aerobic rides, so I'd go with road if I only had to choose one.

If you would be using your mountain bike on the road exclusively then that might be good, but then why have a road bike too? :)

As for what mountain bike to put it on...which one do you do most of your training/racing on? Sounds like you have 2 26" bikes? It would be swappable between those.

FWIW, my road PT also fits my cross bike :)
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
thanks I probably do more of my training on the mtb. than the road. I am getting the PT because I am training for Leadville. And I probably will race the 29ht even though it is a lb or so heavier. I think 29er suits that course. so guess that answers all my questions: put it on the 29er HT. If any one objects or have a better idea feel free to chime in. I want everyone advise? :confused:
 
#7 ·
i would only put it on the mtb if you do a lot of gravel or road riding with it. you cant do the workouts on trails that would take full advantage of the powertap. really... you should just put it on the road bike where you can do quality workouts. use the mtb for endurance rides and fun.
 
#9 ·
perryr said:
Why not?
Click to expand...
its very trail / location specific. i dont have anything constant for more than 4min where I live. ie its just constant, short up and downs. if i am trying to do over/unders like 4U/4O/4U at least on the road i can get onto some long flat sections and punch out consistent intervals. on the trail there are too many interruptions.
 
#10 ·
nathanbal said:
i dont have anything constant for more than 4min where I live. ie its just constant, short up and downs.
Click to expand...
Fair enough.

Depending on the type of interval, it does not need to be absolutely steady. Longer intervals that hit the avg pwr are still effective, and could be more specidic to the event.

Personally, I prefer to do a fair amount of intevals on MTB climbs. The undulating terrain and variable rythem force power well above and below the target, but do a better job of preparing me for MTB climbs. Flat and steady 20min's are great.. but if I never take them off road, my ability to rock on climbs isn't as good as it can be.

For people that do lots of interval training (various lengths), its a nice change to take them off road and have a bit more fun with them.
 
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